Lead roadie Joby Brigden talks handling aids

Whenever I take on a gig as a roadie I always stick to my first rule when it comes to manual handling – wherever possible, DON’T do it. I ask myself whether or not the object needs to be moved at all? Can the activity be carried out where the item is positioned? And if I do have to move anything heavy, I always use handling aids.

They come in all shapes and sizes and there’s one to suit practically every need. Some of the most common are pallet trucks, trolleys, and conveyor belts. In hospitals they use beds with adjustable heights, some supermarkets use adjustable platforms to help stack shelves and some people use chair lifts at home. They’re all handling aids and they’re all there to help reduce back pain. So if you aren’t using any, I suggest you start right away.

Here are a few basic tips that will help you minimise the risk of back pain when lifting:

Your first step should always be to consider using a handling aid
If you have to lift the load yourself, start with a good posture. Resist stooping or squatting, it's better to slightly bend you back, hips and knees
Adopt a stable position. Feet should be apart with one left slightly forward to maintain balance
Get a good hold. Hug the load, ideally with the heaviest side of the load next to your body
Avoid twisting the back or leaning sideways, especially when your back is bent
Look ahead. Once the load is held securely, don't look down at it
If you need to adjust the load, put it down first

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